Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2158, John Dunham, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Dunham, John
S. 2158
CONTENTS
carded

New Jersey 22.850
John Dunham of Westfield in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the _____ commanded Captain _____ of the Reg't commanded John Crono in the N.J. troops time for 12 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey, at the rate of 40 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of December '33 and sent Hon. L. Condict, Morristown N.J.
Arrears to 4th of Sept '33 $ 100 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mar '34 20 $ 120
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by C. Laurie Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 108.

State of New Jersey
County of Essex
ss:
Before the subscriber, a Justice of peace in said
County, personally appeared John Deenham, a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield & well known to me as a man of great respectability for integrity & sound morals, & being first duly sworn, saith as follows. My Declaration made before the Court, has been returned for explanation further specification & proof. - In explanation of my services before I was 16 years old, I would remark, - that I grew to the size, stature & strength of a man, very early in life. At 15, I was stout, athletic & active, more capable of performing the duties, & undergoing the fatigues of Military life, than many men of 30. My father lived at Tremain's point during the whole war, & I volunteered to perform service in his stead, as he had his attention very much engrossed with family concerns & other duties. - My first 3 months duty were under Capt. Laine & Capt. Beardsley in 1778 when 15, was as a Volunteer; & the Captain knowing my ability to perform soldier's duty accepted me. The first month's duty was in the fall, late in Sept. & Octob. My second month was in cold weather - in cold weather - late in Nov. I performed duty along the River on opposite Staten I. and between Tremain's point & Eliz. town. I was stationed at David Ball's house, one room of which was used as a guard house. One other station was at Thomas Beardsley's house, & another at David Tremain's - all within sight of each other, & within gun shot. Only one company was with us, & we were divided & distributed at these 3 stations or places, where my duty was performed, under the orders of Col. Legras, in constant service during the whole of these 3 months, never absent from my duty - watching the movement of the enemy on the opposite shore of Staten Island, to guard the inhabitants against surprise, & in no part of these 3 months was I engaged in any civil pursuits. I am not certain whether one month, or part of a month elapsed between my 2 d & 3 d month - but my 3 d month was in the winter. And one of these months duty was performed as a substitute for one of our neighbors, whose family was so circumstanced, as to render his service personally very difficult or impossible. I have endeavoured to recall his name, but it has gone from my memory.
My tour under Capt. Mulford, when I was 16, under Capt. Mulford, was in the season of getting hay. In 79, my 7 th month was under Capt. Mulford - quartered at the Williams in Raritan, in whose house we had a guard room, near to Capt. the Mulford's house. My 2 d month this year was performed at Eliz. town & Halsted's point - quartered in a room in Nutman's house, opposite Gen. Dayton. One night whilst here, Capt. Mcker of the Art. - was going round to give the counter sign - riding rapidly - we hailed him - ordered him to halt & give the counter sign - he made some answer respecting the counter sign & rode off - upon which David Williams & myself both fired at him but missed him, it being in dead of the night. My 3 d month in 79, was as I think, in April, people were plowing for spring work - stationed part of the time in Nutman's house, Eliz. town & part in Williams - on guard duty, in town & at the point. My 4 th mo. in June, having been time, station & duty the same as the last. - In 1780 - an expedition was planned by Gen. Sterling as we thought, to cross to Staten I. on the Ice. I crossed with Capt. Mulford's company on the ice, to Lockhart's town, on the S. side where the enemy had a fort & some stores. We destroyed some stores & bro't off some prisoners. It was January I think.

My 2 nd . month in 1780 was in March - stationed at Ely tt town, at the same house performing same duties as last mentioned there. - My 3 rd . mo. in 80. was in season of corn planting, stationed at Tumbly point, on guard duty. My 4 th . mo. in same year, was in Cherry time, when Springfield & Northampton farms were burnt. - I was not in those battles, but was stationed on duty near Ely tt town. As the enemy retreated from Springfield to St. Johns, we had skirmish with them near the cross roads Below Ely tt town in the woods, in which skirmish, Richard Waterbury was killed. I saw him brought out of the woods a corpse. Elias Merrill was shot with a musket ball, through his thigh. - I omitted mentioning, that on the expedition to Staten Island this winter under Lieut. Sterling, Captain, or Lieut. Sackett, Wheaton, of the Rhode I st . troops was with us - I think as a volunteer & counsellor with us. In 1781, My 4 th . monthly term of Militia duty was performed under Captain Muzzey, as follows - viz: - 1 st in April, at Rahway - 2 nd in June at Tumbly point, 3 rd at Ely tt town under Capt. Hemenway - at Nutman's & Williams & My 4 th under Capt. Muzzey at Ely tt town at same place - under Col. Beam & Col. Faxon. The whole period of my service is 16 months, for which I claim a pension as a private. My duties were performed faithfully, & during the 16 months of service I was constantly on duty, under the eye & order of my superior - not absent from the service, nor ever engaged during any part of the 16 months in civil pursuits. - I rec d . a Certificate for former part of my service in 1781 - but I know not from whom nor by whom signed. - It was afterwards paid.
I have sought for witnesses who served with me, but can find none who served with me who recollect me with certainty, who are living, except the testimony of David Williams, which I hope to obtain.
John D. Dinsmore
Sworn & subscribed before me at Westfield, Nov. 2 nd 1833.
My H on Th os Clark Justice of the Peace
David Williams of Eper Co ty being duly sworn saith as follows, I am acquainted with Deacon John Dunham - I knew him in time of the Revolutionary war. In addition to my former deposition, I will recollect being with him on a term of duty at Ely tt town in the fall of 78 I believe in Capt. Muzzey's company, & standing duty together, one night, Capt. Muzzey of the R on galloped past us - & not halting to give the counter-sign as we hailed him - we both fired at him - but missed him - being in the dead of night. We afterwards learned it was Capt. Muzzey.
David Williams
Sworn & subscribed before me Nov. 2 nd 1833.
My H on Th os Clark Justice of the Peace
Andrew H. Clark Esq r . before whom the above depositions were taken, is well known to me, to be a Justice of peace for Essex County, & the signature of his name thereto is genuine.
Andrew Condit, late a Reporter from N. Jersey.
Nov. 2 nd 1833.

John Dunham

State of New-Jersey,
Essex County ss. On this Seventeenth day of August
In the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and thirty two Personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County New Settling John Dunham A President of the Township of Westfield in the County of Essex and State of New-Jersey aged sixty nine years. - Who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Passed June Seventh in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and thirty two.
He Was Born in the Township of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey on the Seventh day of October in the year Seventeen hundred and sixty two and was Sixty nine years old last October according to the family Record keep of his age. Where he was living When first called into service. he now resides in the Township of Westfield in said County where he has resided for a Number of years last past and has always resided in the said County of Essex and State of New-Jersey.
That he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war under the following named officers and served as herein stated. as near as he can recollect.
That he first entered the service as a Volunteer in the fall of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy seven in Capt John Scudder's Company of Common Militia and served in said Company one Month & the same fall and winter served two months as a Volunteer in Capt. Benjamin Lains Company. commanded by Lieut. Yaquin stationed at Elizabeth Town Trenches point and along the Lines. - Then served under Capt. Thomas Mulford Capt. Herriman and Capt. Benjamin Lains as a drafted soldier in the Militia as much as two years at different periods

To the close of the war and was in actual service during the said war as much as two years and three months being out in the service as much as one half of the time from the time he first entered the service to the close of the war. Stationed the most of the time between New Brunswick and Hackensack along the enemy's lines - Commanded by Colonel Col Thomas Col Yaquis and Col Jacob Crone. - Went to Staten Island with Lord Sterling in the Winter of 1780. Was in the skirmish with the British at Elizabeth Town when Richard Woodruff was killed and in a number of skirmishes along the lines. Has no documentary evidence of his service but knows a part of his services by David Williams & William Clark knew Lord Sterling, Col Matthias Ogden, General Dayton, Col Border, Capt. Whelen of the standing army.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory in the United States.
Sworn to and subscribed John Dunham the day and year aforesaid in open court -
E. M. Arsdale Clerk We James M. Hunting a Clergyman residing in the Township of Westfield County of Essex and State of New Jersey and Henry Williams residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Dunham who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed James M. Hunting the day and year aforesaid Henry Williams in open court -
E. M. Arsdale Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that James M. Hunting who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman Resident in the Township of Westfield County of Essex and State of New Jersey and that Henry Williams - who has also signed the same is a Resident in the same place and is a Credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
E. M c Intire
I Elias M c Intire Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Essex in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Dunkum for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this twenty fourth day of August A.D. 1832
E. M c Intire

John Dunham
If written claimant no witness can specify errors in detail, claim must be rejected
3 Service in military at 15 years requires proof of disbursement.
But evidence of all service must be produced - Character of witnesses must be certified
Hon L. Condit
12 months in private
$40
as seen before but are not definitely sworn they are not allowed
L. Condit

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
20 June 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Dunkum
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     July 1777 3 - Brevet Col Yeatman 70 The affidavit of   Jan. 1780 - 1 - Do Col Jones 72 Davis Williams   1779 - 4 - Do Col Jacob Brown 72 his own Declaration   1780 - 4 - Was the and Supplemental   to 1781 - 4 - - Township affidavit. —   1 4 - of Westfield   County of   Essex   N Jersey  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
It is desirable that a list for specifying in detail the services etc.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ; ) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

September 24, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Am John Dunham, S. 2158
M. Sarah Sutherland 520 East Street, N.E. Washington, D.C.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of September 17th, addressed to Miss Stokes, Revolutionary War Pension Records, Veterans Bureau, Washington, D.C., and requesting information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers by the name of John or Samuel Dunham who was from New Jersey. You also wish to learn the present location of the Revolutionary War records.
The pension records of Revolutionary and War of 1812 soldiers are now found in the Revolutionary and 1812 Wars Section, Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C. (use this address when writing office). The location of said section is in Room 1851 of the Navy Building, 19th Street and Constitution Avenue.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to a Samuel Dunham who enlisted from New Jersey.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 2158, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Dunham, the only soldier of that name that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
John Dunham was born October 7, 1762, in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey. The names of his parents were not given but he stated that during the entire period of the Revolution his father lived at Tremley Point.

While living in Elizabeth Township, John Dunham enlisted in September, 1777, and served at various times until the close of the Revolution, amounting to sixteen months in all, as private with the New Jersey troops under Captains John Scudder, Thomas Mulford, Harriman, and Benjamin Laing, and Colonels Jacques, Thomas, and Jacob Crane; he aided in the capture of stores and prisoners at a fort at Cuckold's Town, Staten Island, and was in a skirmish at Elizabethtown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1832, while living in Westfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey, and he then signed as John Dunham, Senior.
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of John Dunham, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of death of the soldier, it is suggested that you address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing the following data:
John Dunham, Certificate 22850, issued December 3, 1833, rate $40 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours

Brooks
2158
INVALID!
File No. 2158
John Durham
First Rev War
Act: June 8. 1832
Index:—Vol. 21. , Page 103.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

1911, July 28 - Hist. to Mrs. Clara A. Searing
1924, Jan 18 - Hist. to Mrs.
James A. Gould. u.m.
1926, July 7. Hist. to Mrs. A. M. MacPherson u.m.
1936, Jan. 30. Hist. to Mrs. C. E. Denton. u.c.s.
1936, Sept. 24. Hist. to Mrs. Sarah Sutherland. u.c.s.

New Jersey Essex County } ss:
Before the subscriber, a justice of peace in said County, personally appears Ichabod Clarke of said County, a reputable witness in said County, & being duly sworn, saith as follows - viz. In the war of the revolution, sometime in the winter of 1779, 80 - an expedition was planned under the orders of General Dickinson against a fort held by the British at Cookhold's town, on the South side of Staten Island. I was then present in Captain Ephraim Scudder's company & assisted in destroying some of the enemy's stores, & taking a party of prisoners. On this same expedition I remember John Dunham was present, as a Militia soldier but I do not remember to what company he belonged.
Sworn & Subscribed before me at Westfield
Essex County, November 19 th 1833.
Ichabod Clarke
Dennis Coles, Justice of the Peace
I certify that Dennis Coles Esq. before whom the above deposition was taken, is a Justice of peace in the County of Essex, & the signature of his name thereto is genuine.
Morris town, Nov. 20 th 1833.
Lewis Condit.

State of New Jersey, Essex County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Essex John Purnham a Man of Truth and Credibility of the Township of Westfield County and State aforesaid. — Who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the same John Purnham who heretofore made a Declaration for a pension dated the 17 th day of August 1832. And by reason of the great length of time and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length or period of the war when he served but according to the best of his recollection he served as a Volunteer and drafted private soldier in the Revolutionary war at the times and not less than the periods mentioned in below.
That he first volunteered in the fall of the year 1777. in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain John Sudder & done one Month duty in his Company and the same fall and Winter done two Months duty as a Volunteer in Captain Benjamin Saings Company of Militia Stationed at Elizabeth Town and Sandy Point, under the Command of Col. Yaquish.
And this deponent further saith that in the Month of October 1778 he was sixteen Years Old and was then enrolled in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Thomas Mulford and done one Month duty in said Company That year also drafted private soldier Stationed at Elizabeth Town and Sandy Point under the Command of Col. Yaquish.
In the Month of January in the year 1779 he still continued enrolled in the said Captain Thomas Mulford's Company of Militia and done

Four Months duty that year viz in Four Monthly Tours Two month under the Command of Captain Thomas Mulfords and one Month under Captain Herriman and one Month under Capt Benjamin Lacy Stationed at Elizabeth Town Swansborough point and along the Enemy's Line guarding the Shore under the Command of Col Thomas & Col Yaquith
That in the Month of January 1780 he Still continued enrolled in the said Capt Thomas Mulfords Company & Militia and done Four month duty as a private Soldier that year viz in Four Monthly Tours Three Month under the said Captain Mulfords and one Month under Capt Herriman Stationed at Mahway Swansborough point and Elizabeth Town point under the Command of Col Yaquith and Col Yarde Greene and was at Staten Island with Lord Sterling. In the winter
That in the year 1781. he Still continued enrolled in the said Capt Thomas Mulfords Company and done four Months duty that year viz in four Monthly Tours Three month under Capt Mulfords and one Month under Captain Benjamin Lacy Stationed at Elizabeth Town Mahway Woodliffe and all along the Lines between New Brunswick and Redbank along the River under the Command of Col Yaquith and Col Greene — Making his whole Service one Year and Four Months as a private Soldier viz Three month as a Volunteer and one Year and one Month as a Drafted Soldier.
That the Service herein stated to have been performed by him in the war of the Revolution was Bonified and actually rendered for all that time — That he was duly called out by the Government with his Company and actually Stationed at the different places mentioned in this

and his original Declaration during Military duty all that time - And the said deponent further saith that for the time during which the said service was performed he was not employed in any civil service.
And this deponent further saith that he has produced the best evidence in his power and that he knows of no other living witness or witnesses at this time except the one he has produced that can testify to his services.
For all other particulars he refers to his original Declaration.
Sworn to and subscribed at Newark in said County the 15 th day of August A. D. 1833 before me.
John Dunham
Sam l B. Miller Justice of the peace
State of New Jersey County of Essex
to wit: Elias Van Arsdale Junior Clerk of the inferior Court of Common Pleas in Union County Do hereby certify that Samuel B. Miller before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Dunham was made. Sworn, at the time of making the same was and still is a justice of the peace for said County of Essex - residing therein duly commissioned & sworn, and that the signature "Sam l B. Miller" affixed to said affidavit is his genuine signature. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at New- ark in said County the fourteenth day of August A. D. Eighteen hundred & thirty three (1833) -
1111111111

John Dunham
L. Condit. Curat.
11

State of New Jersey Essex County ss. Personally appeared before me Samuel H. Miller one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County of Essex. John Dunham of the Township of Westfield County of Essex and State of New Jersey. Who being duly sworn according to Law deponeth and saith. — That he is the same John Dunham who heretofore made a Declaration for a pension on the Twentieth day of August in the Year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty two — Before the Court of Common Pleas of Essex County. — That the Service therein stated to have been performed by him in the War of the Revolution was Beneficial and actually rendered in the Militia of New Jersey as a private Soldier for all the time stated in his said Declaration. — That he was duly called out by the competent Authority with his Company and actually stationed at the different places mentioned in his said Declaration during Military duty all that time. And this deponent further saith that for the time during which the said Service was performed he was not employed in any other pursuit. — And this deponent further saith that by reason of old age the great length of time and the consequent loss of Memory he cannot specify the particular periods of the war when he served further than they are put down in his said Declaration.
As to the Interrogatories furnished by the War Department.
1 st — He saith that he was born in the Township of Elizabeth County of Essex and State of New Jersey on the Seventh day of October 1762 has a record of his age in his pension

B — Was living in the said Township of Elizabethton when first called into service and now resides in the Township of Westfield Essex County New Jersey and has always resided there. A — Served as a Volunteer & drafted Soldier C — he knew Col. Hartley Col. Berlier Col. Mathews Colonel General Dayton Captain Whelen & C. D — never received any written discharge E — he refers to Godkin Prof. Ebenezer Miller Elias Williams Judge Crane of Newark Hon. John L. Cook, as to his credibility Sworn to and Subscribed John T. Thompson at Newark this Twentyfifth day of June A. D. 1833. before me Samuel B. Miller Justice of the peace
I Samuel B. Miller before whom the above affidavit of John Dunham was taken do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Dunham and that his statement is entitled to full credence and belief. June 25 th 1833. Samuel B. Miller
State of New Jersey County of Essex ss. On this day personally appeared John Dunham Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Essex to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavit and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand this 25 th day of June 1833. Samuel B. Miller Justice of the peace

hand writing said letter. — In testimony Whereof hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Concord the Twenty- fifth day of June A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty three 1833/ —
William Lloyd

41 Declaration & Evidence of John Dunham For p. 6596. A Pension

State of New Jersey } Essex County ss } Be it known that on the Twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty two personally appeared before me Samuel B. Miller one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County David Williams Who being first duly sworn according to Law on his oath deponeth and saith that he resides in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and is well acquainted with John Dunham of the Township of Westfield in the County and State aforesaid and is knowing that the said John Dunham was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war and served in the Militia in the United States Service and was with him at Elizabeth Town in Capt. Thomas Mufords Company. and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed, before me the day and year aforesaid
David Williams
Sam B. Miller
State of New Jersey } County of Essex } ss. I Elias Van Arsdale Junior Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify, That Samuel B. Miller Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of David Williams was taken, was at the time of taking the said affidavit & now is one of the Judges of said Court, residing in said County, duly commissioned & sworn and authorized to take the same; That I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge & verily believe the foregoing signature "Sam B. Miller" is genuine In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court at Newark in the County aforesaid, the Twenty fourth day of August A. D. Eighteen hundred and thirty two —
E. Van Arsdale

Payments to be made at Trenton by First Trenton Bank & Compa. Agent for paying Pension= ers, in the Agency of New Jersey.
Recorded in the Pension Of= fice, in Book 8 Vol. 3 Page 108 by C. Laurie Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Dunham of the State of New Jersey who was a Private during the Revolutionary war is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 27th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
John B. M c Leod Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Wm Clark being duly sworn before me & with, as follows - On the day after the battle & burning of Springfield in June 1780, after the enemy had retreated thro' Grafton town near the point. - we had another fight with them. I remember seeing John Dunham in the fight. Richard Wooduff my file leader was killed & I am I recd was shot through the thigh. The skirmish was in the woods. Sworn & subscribed before me at Westfield, Nov. 2 d 1833.
Wm Clark J. M c H. Clark Justice of the peace
I certify that Wm Clark, David Williams & John Dunham, are well known to me to be men of truth, & their statements entitled to belief
J. M c H. Clark Justice of the peace

January 18, 1924.
Mrs. James A. Gould, 2515 Irving Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in pension claim S.2158 it appears that John Dunham was born in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey, October 7, 1762. While living there he enlisted in September 1777 and served as a private at various times until the close of the war, amounting in all to 16 months, in Captains John Scudder, Thomas Wulford, Harriman, and Benjamin Laing's Companies, Colonels Jacques, Thomas, and Jacob Crane's New Jersey Regiments. He aided in the capture of stores and prisoners at a fort at Cuckold's Town, Staten Island, and was in skirmishes at Elizabethtown and along the lines.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1832, while living in Westfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Record Division,
July 28, 1911.
Mrs. Clara A. Searing, 702 Washington Avenue, Newport, Ky.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 20" and received the 22" instant, you are advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to furnish any information in regard to Daniel Searing described by you.
This Bureau is unable to furnish the record of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim has been filed on account of his services, and in order to identify a possible claim of Colonel Williams, you should furnish his given name and some of the following data: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after discharge, names of some officers under whom he served, and given name of widow.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

January 30, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS John Dunham, S. 2158
Mrs. C. E. Denton Shelby Mississippi
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of January 21, 1936, requesting information in regard to Revolutionary War soldiers, Richard Dey, John and Nathaniel Dunham and Richard Merril, all serving from New Jersey.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty, land and based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of any soldiers named Richard Dey, Nathaniel Dunham and Richard Merril.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 2158, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Dunham, the only soldier of that name that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
John Dunham was born October 7, 1762, in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey. The names of his parents were not given but he stated that during the entire period of the Revolution his father lived at Trenley Point.
While living in Elizabeth Township, John Dunham enlisted in September, 1777, and served at various times until the close of the Revolution, amounting to sixteen months in all, as private with the New Jersey troops under Captains John Scudder, Thomas Mulford, Harriman, and Benjamin Laing, and Colonels Jacques, Thomas, and Jacob Crane; he aided in the capture of stores and prisoners at a fort at Cuckold's Town, Staten Island, and was in a skirmish at Elizabethtown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1832, while living in Westfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey, and he then signed as John Dunham, Senior.
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

LEM W BOWEN President D. M. FERRY JR. Vice-President DWIGHT CUTLER Vice-President
J. S. HEATON Vice-President & Treasurer J. H. THOM Vice-President KENNEDY R. OWEN Vice-President CHARLES C. BOWEN Secretary
INCORPORATED 1884
Standard Accident Insurance Company OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN
K. W. MACWHINNEY, AGENT 91 HECK STREET OCEAN GROVE, N. J.
May 27, 1926
Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly give pension record of John Dunham, who fought in the Revolution? And any data you may have for same? Am trying to find if I am eligible to join the D. A. V. R. I trace to John Dunham, and one record mentions he was pensioned. Enclosed find stamped envelope for reply.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Very truly yours,
(Mrs. K. W.) Marjorie R. MacWhinney

INCORPORATED 1884
Standard Accident Insurance Company
OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN
K. W. MACWHINNEY, AGENT 91 HECK STREET OCEAN GROVE, N. J.
July 4, 1926.
Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen—
Have written you two letters within the last couple of months, but to date have had no reply. I wish to get the pension record of John Simhaye, who fought in the Revolution, from New Jersey; Essex County. If there be a charge for same, kindly advise me. Enclosed find stamped envelope for reply. Hoping for an early reply, I am Very truly yours, (Mrs. K. W.) Mayorie R. Mac Whinney (over)

Am trying to find if I am eligible to join the D. A. R.

91 Heds Ave.,
Ocean Grove, N.J.,
June 1, 1926.
Dept of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D. C. 3
Gentlemen:-
I recently wrote you asking for pension record of John Dunham who fought in the Revolution. I forgot to tell you that he came from New Jersey, and fought as a "Private". Any data you may give me shall be gratefully appreciated. I especially want to know his wife's name if you have it. As I

said before, I am searching to find if I am eligible to join the D.A.R.
Thanking you, I am
Very truly yours, (Mrs. K.W.) Marjorie R. Walchman
Enclosed find stamped envelope for reply.

Miss Stokes, Revolutionary War Pension Records, Washington, D.C.
Dear Miss Stokes:- I haven't an idea where the records are kept now. The last time I wanted to consult them I went to Interior, to the Bureau and back to Interior. The information clerks of each office did not seem to know, as I lost all forenoon. So I hope the postman (or men) can locate

3. correctly If I remember the wife's name was not given. Have you anything to tell when he received his last check and would there be any data (such as heirs) with that?
Please state just where your office is now and am expecting a cousin and she may want to do some research work while here.
With thanks, I am Very sincerely,
M c Sarah Sutherland
520 E 84 th St., Washington, D.C.
9-17-36.

you.
I would like to get the names of the children of a John or Samuel Dunham of N. J. I think, I copied record but gone to N.Y. Hist. Soc. before I made a copy, and now I think I can use it or really need it. Whichever one it was had a daughter Sarah and son John.
Please give place of residence and other data usually required by genealogists. Date of application too, please.

THE DENTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
"BRANCH PLANT, CLEVELAND, MISS."
Planters
ICE, ICE CREAM AND CREAMERY PRODUCTS
Ginners
SHELBY, MISS.
January 21, 1936
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. G.
Record Division of Revolutionary War:
Please send me statements of the military records of the following men who served in the Revolutionary War:
John Dunham - militia
Nathaniel Dunham - Capt. Morrison's Company - First battalion, 2nd Establishment.
Capt. Mead's Company - first regiment
Richard Dey - Capt. Regiment, Bergen - First Major, in Bergen Regiment on June 29, 1776 - Major of Battalion - "Heard's Brigade". Major, Colonel Ford's Battalion, State Troops, November 27, 1776.
Richard Merril , of Middlesex County, New Jersey - private (?)
All four of these men are mentioned in "Jerseymen in the Revolutionary War" but I want their official records with all available data, as to family connections .
Will certainly appreciate any information you can give me on these men.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. C. E. Denton
Mrs. C. E. Denton

2515 Irving Av. South, Minneapolis, Minn.
Dec. 6, 1923.
Bureau of Pensions, Revolutionary War Records, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen;
Will you please send me the information filed by John Dunham (Invalid No. 2158) of Essex County, N.J. at the time he applied for a pension? According to Senate Documents Pension Roll, Revolutionary Pensions, page 51, he was placed on the pension roll Dec. 3, 1833.
Yours truly,
Mrs. James A. Gould